+2f Caleb Schurman

Caleb Schurman settled in Central Bedeque on the farm later owned by Leonard Schurman and his son Leith. Caleb inherited land in Wilmot on the Taylor Road. In 1839 he bought 171 acres on the North Freetown Road (code 18 and 19) and in 1848 he purchased 153 acres north of Freetown Cem. (code 37, 38, 42). Caleb’s intention was to settle four of his sons, William, John, Robert and Jacob, in Freetown.

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Several of Caleb’s children lived in Freetown.

2f William (1810-1892). On 21 Jan. 1830 m. Mary Craig of Bedeque. In 1841 they lived in Freetown on the property now owned by Fred Paynter (code 17). He is credited with owning and operating a mill in this area until 1846; by 1850 he had moved to Bedeque and by 1852 to Nova Scotia. There were ten children: 1. Ann, 2. Caleb, 3. Major, 4. Amos, 5. Sophia, 6. John Craig, 7. James D. and 8. Elijah b. in Freetown; 9. Lemuel and 10. Bessie b. in Bedeque.

2f John (1813—1880). On Apr. 25 1838 m. Ann Marie Schurman (1815-1897) dau. of Isaac and Jane. In 1841 they were living on a 100 acre farm (25 clear) code 10 in Freetown. In 1852 they moved to Nova Scotia to help William with his saw mill. This was a losing venture for both brothers. From this union were nine children. 1. Elijah, 2. Oliver, 3. Elizabeth, 4. Isaac, 5. Sophia, 6. Maria Jane, 7. Lydia all b. in Freetown; 8. Collingwood and 9. Billings b. in Nova Scotia.

2f Robert b. 26 Aug. 1821 in Central Bedeque and d. 31 Mar. 1825 in Freetown. On 27 June 1849 m. Lydia Gouldrup.

2f Jacob Schurman b. 13 Mar. 1831 in Central Bedeque, m. Mary Schurman Wright of Middleton b. 25 Sept. 1831. Jacob d. in Summerside 26 May 1890 and she d. there 29 Aug. 1890. Jacob apparently came into possession of land in Freetown which his father Caleb had purchased (code 40). A deed executed in 1852 mentions his name in the description.

+3g2f Robert Schurman

In 1845 Robert’s father deeded him 100 acres in Freetown now owned by Cavendish Farms (code 19). Robert bought 9 acres more that year and 15 1/2 acres (code 41) more two years later. These lots which lay south of the North Freetown road from the original property are owned in 1985 by his great-grandson Robert D. Schurman.

Robert Schurman family, back row left to right: Gordon, Robert, Douglas, Garth. Sitting: Jean, Linda and baby Karen.

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